I was chased by my sickly junior brother who had two lives

After successfully creating a series of exquisite objects combining gold and jade, Chen Jia and Chen Jue were not satisfied with this. Their passion for exploring metal crafts became stronger and stronger. This time, the two decided to innovate boldly, mixing gold, copper and silver together to refine more types of metals, and apply these unique metals to the production of handicrafts, whether it is pendants, bracelets, necklaces, rings, earrings, gold-inlaid jade pendants, etc., they strive to create unique works.

On this day, the sun shone warmly in the workshop yard of the Chen Mansion. Chen Jia and Chen Jue stood in front of a table filled with various metal raw materials and tools, discussing the new craft plan with a focused look. Chen Jia picked up a piece of gold and then a piece of silver, weighed them gently in his hands, and spoke first: "Husband, we have combined gold and jade before and gained a lot. But I have been thinking recently that if we mix gold, copper and silver in different proportions and refine them, we may get a brand new metal with unique color and texture. If we use it to make handicrafts, it will definitely be unique in the market."

Chen Jue nodded slightly, his eyes fell on the metal raw materials, and he said thoughtfully: "Madam, this idea is novel and bold, and it is worth a try. It is really exciting to see what kind of sparks can be created by mixing different metals. However, the quenching process must be complicated, and it is necessary to accurately control the proportion of various metals, and also consider many factors such as temperature and time."

Chen Jia put down the metal in his hand and said seriously: "What you said is very true. But I believe that with the superb skills of our craftsmen, we can overcome the difficulties. For example, we can start with some simple proportions, record the process and results of each quenching, and gradually find the best formula. Moreover, the handicrafts made of these new metals can also be more creative in design. For example, pendants can be designed with meaningful patterns and inlaid with jade to make them more unique."

Chen Jue's eyes lit up, and he added, "My wife is right. For bracelets, we can use the color difference of different metals to create gradient or symmetrical patterns. Bracelets and necklaces can add a sense of layering by stringing together metal beads of different shapes and matching them with jade and gemstones. For rings and earrings, we can use new metals as the main body and inlay jade or gemstones as embellishments to highlight their exquisiteness. For gold-inlaid jade pendants, we should pay more attention to the fusion of metal and jade so that the two complement each other."

Chen Jia said excitedly: "My husband's ideas are great! In this way, our handicrafts will not only have novel materials, but also more attractive designs. Then let's quickly call the craftsmen to discuss and let everyone come up with ideas together."

Chen Jue nodded in agreement: "Okay, gather those experienced craftsmen who are good at metal crafts, especially those who have researched quenching, and discuss together, and we will definitely find the best solution."

Soon, a group of craftsmen gathered in the workshop. After Chen Jia and Chen Jue explained their ideas in detail to the craftsmen, an elderly quenching master frowned and said, "Duke, Madam, if the proportion of gold, copper and silver is slightly deviated when quenching, the texture and color of the metal will be very different. Moreover, the melting points of different metals are also different. To make them blend evenly, the control of the temperature is extremely high."

Chen Jue thought for a moment and said, "Master, we can first theoretically calculate the properties of metals in different proportions, and then verify them through multiple tests. As for the temperature, can we arrange for several masters who have precise control over the temperature to take turns to ensure the temperature is stable?"

The quenching master nodded and said, "Duke, this method is feasible, but the experimental process may consume a large amount of metal raw materials, and you need to have enough patience."

At this time, a young designer said, "Duke, Madam, I think when designing these crafts, we should fully consider the characteristics of the new metal. For example, if the new metal is soft, when making pendants and rings, we should avoid overly complex and fragile shapes; if the texture is hard, when carving patterns, we may need sharper tools."

Chen Jia said: "You are right. During the design process, we should communicate more and adjust the design according to the actual characteristics of the metal. In addition, we should pay attention to details, such as the pendant ring and the bracelet interface, which should be designed to be both beautiful and practical."

The craftsmen nodded, took the order and left, each throwing themselves into the intensive preparations and experiments.

A few days later, Chen Jia and Chen Jue came to the quenching workshop. The quenching master came up to them excitedly and said, "Duke, Madam, after many experiments, we have found several relatively ideal metal formulas. You see, this mixed metal with a ratio of 3:2:1 of gold, copper and silver has a golden color with a hint of silver. It has a tough and delicate texture and is suitable for making various handicrafts."

Chen Jue took the metal sample, examined it carefully, and said, "Master, the color of this metal is indeed unique, and the texture is also very good. How is its ductility and plasticity during the production process?"

The quenching master said: "Sir, this metal has good ductility and can be drawn into thin wires for weaving or inlaying. It is also very plastic and can be made into various shapes."

Chen Jia smiled and said, "That's good. Master, now it's up to the craftsmen to design and make it. I hope to see handicrafts made of this metal soon."

In the design and production workshop, craftsmen are busy designing and making various handicrafts. A design craftsman held the design sketch of the pendant and said to Chen Jia and Chen Jue: "Duke, Madam, I designed a pendant in the shape of a ruyi, with a warm jade inlaid in the middle and new metal filaments woven into exquisite patterns around it, which means good luck and good fortune."

Chen Jia looked at the sketch and nodded in praise, "This design is very clever, combining new metals and jade perfectly, showing both the exquisite craftsmanship of metals and the warmth of jade. But can the lines of this Ruyi be smoother to make the whole shape more agile?"

The designer quickly said, "Madam, you are absolutely right. I will modify it right away."

On the other side, a craftsman was making a bracelet. Chen Jue walked up, looked at the bracelet that had taken shape, and said, "Master, the pattern design of this bracelet is very creative, using the colors of different metals to create a gradient effect. But during the polishing process, pay attention to the smoothness of the surface, and don't let it scratch your hands."

The craftsman nodded and said, "Don't worry, Duke. I will polish it carefully to ensure the quality of the bracelet."

After the craftsmen's unremitting efforts day and night, the first batch of handicrafts made of the new metal was finally completed.

The pendant is in the shape of Ruyi, with the jade in the middle being crystal clear and the patterns woven by the metal filaments around it being delicate and exquisite. The overall shape is lifelike and has a beautiful meaning. The gradient patterns of the bracelet are natural and smooth, and the metal surface is as smooth as a mirror, which makes it look elegant when worn. On the bracelet and necklace, metal beads of different shapes are matched with jade and gemstones, which are arranged in a staggered manner and have a great sense of hierarchy. The rings and earrings are exquisitely designed, and the unique luster of the new metal complements the inlaid jade and gemstones, exuding a charming charm. The jade pendant inlaid with gold is even more exquisite, with the perfect fusion of metal and jade, and the carved patterns are simple and elegant, showing a noble temperament.

Chen Jia and Chen Jue looked at these works that embodied everyone's hard work, and they were filled with satisfaction. Chen Jia said, "My husband, these works are amazing! Each one is unique and ingenious. I believe that after they are launched on the market, they will be loved by everyone."

Chen Jue smiled and said, "Madam, this is all thanks to everyone's joint efforts. We can first set up a special display area in the store to display these new products and invite dignitaries, wealthy businessmen and literati in the city to come and appreciate them. At the same time, we can promote these handicrafts to other regions through our commercial channels."

Soon, Chen Jia and Chen Jue held a new product tasting event in their store. Celebrities from all walks of life in the city were invited and praised these novel and unique handicrafts.

A wealthy businessman picked up a ring and exclaimed: "Duke Chen, Madam Chen, the design and craftsmanship of this ring are simply ingenious! The color of the new metal and the gemstone match perfectly. It is really a rare treasure."

Chen Jia smiled and responded: "Thank you for your praise. We have been committed to innovation and hope to bring you unique handicrafts."

A noble lady wearing a necklace said: "This necklace is so beautiful! The combination of metal, jade and gemstones is very harmonious. Wearing it on your body shows your noble temperament. Duke Chen and Madam Chen, your creativity always brings surprises to people."

Chen Jue said: "Madam, you are too kind. We hope that through these handicrafts, everyone can feel the charm of the combination of metal crafts and jade culture."

With the praise of the public, Chen Jia and Chen Jue once again achieved great success in the business field with their innovative thinking and persistent pursuit of craftsmanship. The handicrafts they made by mixing gold, copper and silver not only enriched the variety of goods on the market, but also made important contributions to the development of metal crafts in Qing State, becoming another good story in the commercial development of Qing State.